"I've ruined my diet" is a motivation-crushing phrase. We like to think that we're a pretty trustworthy analyst of our own fitness lives, but we're often wrong—and making our own bleak analysis can actually cause a bad outcome. »3/30/15 5:01pm Yesterday 5:01pm

Every year, publishers rank the most popular diets for weight loss. In most cases, this a practice in mental masturbation, because it leaves out the most important success factor of all: adherence. Instead, avoid cookie cutter recommendations with the Diet Index Enjoyability Total—or DIET. »3/27/15 9:04am Friday 9:04am

Almost all foods contain calories, but some foods have so few that they aren't worth really counting. These are frequently called "free foods." If you're on a diet and want a snack, here are a list of those "free foods" that you can eat in moderation without tracking.»3/26/15 9:01am Thursday 9:01am

When you start a diet, determining how much to eat can feel a bit like playing calorie roulette. Many people turn to a calorie calculator, but they can greatly overestimate the amount of food that you need to lose weight. Here's how to calculate your own target.»3/25/15 9:01am 3/25/15 9:01am

Carrots sticks are a great snack, but aren't the best shape for dipping. They don't have enough surface area to prevent the dreaded double-dip. Cutting them into rounds solves that problem. »3/21/15 11:00am 3/21/15 11:00am

You're going about your day when the urge to eat sets in. Sure, you might be physically hungry...but it's possible you're seeking a security blanket to alleviate stress. Or perhaps you're just bored. Use "The Broccoli Test" to identify emotional hunger and stop it from ruining your diet. »3/19/15 9:00am 3/19/15 9:00am

Fat loss relies on one thing: eating fewer calories than you expend. But nobody wants to sit and count calories all day. Most people can learn to track them successfully, but some might need a different strategy altogether. If tracking has given you a headache in the past, consider giving this a try. »3/16/15 5:02pm 3/16/15 5:02pm

Everyone who loses weight successfully overcomes a set of similar challenges. But let us be honest: successful weight loss is relatively uncommon, making many of these challenges unheard of. Consequently, when they arise, you might think you're doing things wrong. But you're not, and here's why.»3/13/15 9:01am 3/13/15 9:01am

Have you ever eaten that next slice of pizza knowing it will make you feel uncomfortably full? Or perhaps the doctor told you to get 30 minutes of exercise today, but you just can't pull yourself away from The Bachelor. If this sounds familiar, you aren't alone. Here's why knowledge doesn't always lead to action and…»3/10/15 9:00am 3/10/15 9:00am

We often predicate weight loss success with things such as motivation, determination, and self-control. While these factors undoubtedly play a role, lesser known characteristics like curiosity and self-compassion are equally as important. I explain the key characteristics behind weight loss success in this TED talk. »2/27/15 9:00am 2/27/15 9:00am

If you're losing weight, your progress will stall at some point. Even if you are doing everything right, the number on the scale will stop budging. Here's what to do when this happens. »2/25/15 9:00am 2/25/15 9:00am

When you're tracking calories, estimating portion size can be tricky, especially when eating out. While some restaurants have their nutritional information online, most don't. Here's how to make sure that your food journal doesn't miss a beat.»2/24/15 9:00am 2/24/15 9:00am

After you lose a bunch of weight, you probably want to get rid of all those fat clothes. You don't want to go back to that size. But if you keep a pair of your old pants or a dress, you might avoid sliding back into old habits.»2/22/15 4:00pm 2/22/15 4:00pm

Your doctor is one of the most important people to your wellbeing, and rightfully so. While you should trust their advice on certain matters, it's also important to understand the boundaries of their training, and when you should seek outside help.»2/19/15 9:00am 2/19/15 9:00am

Binge eating episodes can be terrifying. They're like an out-of-body experience where you watch yourself in a feeding frenzy, searching for every morsel of tastiness you can find. Here's how to stop them.»2/12/15 1:09pm 2/12/15 1:09pm

If you're completely satisfied with your health, don't read this article. This is not for you. Give yourself a pat on the back, and save yourself the scrolling. For the rest of you, approach what I'm about to say with an open mind, and maybe you can come out of this a fitter person. »2/10/15 9:26am 2/10/15 9:26am

Like other chubby kids, I was picked on. I went to a geeky high school where everyone had their own issues to worry about, so this didn't last very long. There was one bully, however, that persisted. Even after losing weight, it took pleasure in shaming me as much as it could—that bully is the scale, and it's…»2/04/15 3:20pm 2/04/15 3:20pm

I've listened to many reasons people fail on diets. One of the most cited is "life got in the way." A wedding, bachelor party, or happy hour can derail even those who claim the highest of willpower. Here's a solution that's so simple it's often overlooked. »1/30/15 9:59am 1/30/15 9:59am